I recently gained early access to Make.com’s new feature called Grid. This powerful tool offers a unique perspective on how scenarios interact within your organization, but I’ve got some mixed feelings about its practicality. Let’s dive into how it works and who can benefit the most from it.
Overview of Grid
Grid offers an innovative way to visualize how scenarios interact within your organization. I created an automation that provides a comprehensive map of all active and inactive scenarios. This feature is designed to give you a clear overview, allowing you to see connections and relationships at a glance. The visual representation includes different colored links, indicating various types of interactions between assets.
The design aims to simplify complexity, making it easier to understand how different components work together. For instance, you can see triggers and data flows represented visually, which can help in quickly identifying potential issues or areas for improvement. While the current implementation has its limitations, the foundational concept is strong and holds great potential for future enhancements.
Onboarding Process
When you first access Grid, you go through a brief onboarding process that introduces its main functionalities. This quick explainer is essential for helping users get acquainted with the interface and its features. It walks you through how to navigate the grid, highlighting key elements like filters and views.
The onboarding process is straightforward, ensuring that even non-technical users can quickly grasp the basics. Once you’ve completed this initial setup, you’ll find it much easier to explore the various scenarios and understand their interconnections. The onboarding doesn’t take long, but it sets the stage for a more productive experience with the tool.
Understanding Scenario Interconnections
One of the standout features of Grid is its ability to showcase how scenarios are interconnected. This is particularly useful for teams that manage multiple automations. I created an automation that highlights the relationships between different scenarios, making it easier to visualize how changes in one scenario might affect another.
The visual representation includes color-coded links that categorize interactions. For example, purple links indicate triggers, while blue links show data interactions. This clarity can significantly enhance understanding, especially for those who may not be deeply familiar with the technical details of each scenario.
Using Filters for Navigation
Filters are a vital component of navigating Grid effectively. They allow you to focus on specific scenarios or assets, streamlining the process of finding what you need. For instance, if I want to locate a blog automation, I can simply apply the filter and zoom in on the relevant connections.
Using filters helps reduce clutter, especially when dealing with a large number of scenarios. It’s a practical way to hone in on what’s most important, making the exploration process much more efficient. By selecting active scenarios and utilizing the auto-align feature, I can easily manage and analyze my workflows.
Interface Features: Dark Mode and 3D View
The Grid interface includes several features aimed at improving user experience. One of these is dark mode, which can reduce eye strain during extended use. Switching to dark mode is simple and can be done from the settings menu. This feature is especially beneficial for those who prefer a darker interface or work in low-light environments.
Additionally, Grid offers both 2D and 3D views, allowing users to choose how they want to visualize their scenarios. The 3D view adds depth to the mapping of scenarios, providing a more dynamic perspective. This flexibility in viewing options caters to different preferences and can enhance understanding of complex interconnections.
Exploring Use Cases for Automation Agencies
Automation agencies can leverage Grid as a presentation tool. It allows them to demonstrate the flow of automations at a higher level. This is especially useful when discussing complex workflows with clients who may not be familiar with the technical details. For instance, I created an automation that illustrates how different scenarios interact, making it easier to explain the overall architecture.
By using Grid, agencies can provide clients with a visual representation of their automation processes. This clarity can help in client meetings, where understanding the flow of data and triggers is crucial. Instead of diving deep into the technicalities of each scenario, I can show a high-level overview that highlights key interactions.
Mixed Feelings About Grid’s Practicality
While Grid has impressive features, I have mixed feelings about its practicality for daily use. It serves as a read-only exploratory tool, which means it’s not designed to actively build or modify scenarios. This limits its utility for those who are looking for immediate efficiency in their workflow.
From a user interface perspective, it looks great and showcases the development skills of the Make.com team. However, I can’t help but wonder if this effort could have been directed towards enhancing existing tools. Features that simplify scenario building might have a more significant impact on day-to-day operations.
Potential for Team Collaboration
Grid also holds promise for team collaboration. It provides a centralized view of scenarios, making it easier for team members to onboard or hand over work. With multiple people involved in automation, having a visual tool can facilitate discussions and understanding of workflows.
This feature is particularly beneficial for larger teams that need to keep track of numerous scenarios. I can easily share the Grid view with colleagues, allowing them to see how different automations interconnect. This shared understanding can lead to more efficient collaboration and minimize the chances of miscommunication.
Concerns About Development Focus
One major concern I have is the focus of development resources. While Grid is an impressive tool, I feel it may not significantly enhance daily efficiency for building scenarios. The current read-only nature of the app means it focuses more on analysis rather than active engagement with the automation process.
This leads me to question whether the Make.com team might be better off directing their resources toward improving existing functionalities. Enhancements to the core platform could offer more immediate benefits for users. It seems like a missed opportunity to streamline processes that users rely on daily.
Final Thoughts on Grid’s Future
The future of Grid appears promising, especially as it continues to evolve in beta. While it offers a strong visual representation of scenario interconnections, I believe there are still gaps that need addressing. For instance, the ability to modify scenarios directly within Grid would be a game-changer.
As the Make.com team iterates on this feature, I’m hopeful they’ll introduce enhancements that will make it more integral to the day-to-day operations of users. Balancing innovative tools like Grid with practical improvements to existing features will be crucial for its success.
